Cooperation with IDH to achieve green and sustainable agriculture

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of International Cooperation Department (MARD) assessed that IDH has embarked on an impressive developmental journey, marked by significant milestones over its 15 years of operation. During this period, IDH has fostered close and effective collaboration with functional units within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, such as the Plant Protection Department, the Institute of Policies and Strategies for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the National Agricultural Extension Center. This collaboration has propelled the sectors of coffee, pepper, tea, and aquaculture.

In the agricultural cooperation program, IDH has pioneered coordination with the agricultural sector to implement public-private partnerships, the initial form of social enterprise collaboration, working alongside businesses and markets to create a more sustainable life and environment for the entire society. Mr. Tuan also mentioned that IDH is the first organization to coordinate with the agricultural sector in gathering opinions from coffee businesses to develop a guide on sustainable coffee cultivation for farmers. This initiative aims to improve the quality of coffee products to meet international market standards.

Furthermore, IDH has actively engaged in hotspots such as the export of pepper to the European market, coffee replanting programs, and mobilizing the participation of companies such as Nestle and JDE Peet's. These initiatives serve as exemplary models of public-private collaboration in sustainable agricultural development.

Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development believe that IDH has introduced many innovative ideas, notably the sustainable coffee landscape program, providing a platform to address emerging market issues and comply with the EU's new regulations on anti-deforestation.

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to promote the development of a green, circular, transparent agriculture sector, implementing international commitments to reduce emissions. With this philosophy, the Ministry hopes that IDH will continue to be a partner, contributing not only to transforming the market into a better but also a greener, smarter, and more compassionate one.

Sharing at the event, Ms. Lizet Friesen, Executive Board member of IDH elaborated that in the coming years, IDH’s mission will be to transform markets to serve people, society, and the planet by supporting thriving worker and farmer communities and achieving net zero, regenerative agricultural systems.

“I welcome you to join the discussions on IDH’s future priorities for 2030 in addressing sustainability challenges in the Agriculture and textile/Footwear sectors in Vietnam as a sandbox: experiment with new insights, new solutions and possible new partnerships”, said Ms. Friesen. 

On this occasion, MARD presented recognition awards to IDH Vietnam thanks to its contribution to the sustainable development of Vietnam agriculture. 

IDH was established in Europe in 2008 and officially registered in Vietnam in 2016 with development support programs for the agriculture sector including Coffee, Spice (Pepper and Cinnamon), Aquaculture (Shrimp and Pangasius), Tea, Cocoa, and a Sustainable Landscape program in the Central Highlands. For the industrial sector, IDH Vietnam focuses its support activities primarily on the Textile and Manufacturing industry.

Since its establishment, IDH has cooperated closely with public-private partners to implement many initiatives to support sustainable, efficient production and business models and create investment opportunities, potential trade for businesses and contributes to improved livelihoods for farmers as well as better working conditions for workers.

IDH establishes, co-chairs, and is an active member of Public-Private Partnership taskforces to support the development of sustainable coffee, pepper, aquaculture, tea, cinnamon, and cocoa sectors. At the same time, participate in Production, Protection, and Inclusion (PPI) Compacts at all levels. Of which, the total investment from IDH and donors reached over 18 million USD, convening more than 40 million USD in co-investment from the private sector, more than 30 million USD from the public sector, and about 5 million USD from other development organizations.